Expanding an LED Retrofit Program for a Large Financial Firm

Case Study: Maximizing Turnkey LED Project Management

We previously documented the importance of a well-planned process to maximize the many benefits of an LED lighting retrofit rollout. Whether budgeting LED retrofit work for a chain of 50 retail stores, 150 storage facilities, or 5,000 office settings, a definitive action plan is key.

Let’s recap CLS’ action plan in rolling out an LED retrofit for more than 1,000 office locations across the country for a large financial services firm. In doing so, we’ll visit the steps involved with pre-planning, procurement, installations, and maximizing optimal return on investment.

A quick summary of the pilot program: CLS Facility Services implemented a turnkey LED retrofit pilot program for a nationwide financial services firm with more than 8,000 locations. The pilot at 230 locations in Missouri replaced outdated, mercury-containing T8 and T12 lamps with mercury-free LED lamps — yielding immediate environmental and financial benefits. The program achieved a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, 62.5% energy savings, and significantly lowered utility costs. Read the case study here.

Situation Analysis and Pre-Planning

1. Goals were set in advance to determine the number of projects to be completed on a monthly and annual basis in order to execute large amounts of work in a timely manner. Work was spread out in order to meet the budgetary needs of the client.
2. We studied the geographical layout of thousands of locations in order to determine the most optimal states and larger utility rebates available. This allowed us to organize projects chronologically and by state based upon rebate strength.
3. Detailed lighting surveys were conducted in order to capture accurate information to ensure project success, lack of change orders, and optimal energy savings options.
4. LED materials were selected, based upon cost competitiveness, largest energy savings, strength of warranty, and compliance with lighting rebate programs.
5. Projects were completed on a state-by-state basis and rebates were achieved where available, helping to pay for 10 to 20% of LED project costs.
6. Pipelines for state completions were established two to four months in advance of work beginning in order to maximize savings, utility rebate potential, and priorities for the client.

By planning ahead and adroitly carrying out the above steps, LED projects were completed on time, on budget, and with the most optimal technology to foster strongest savings, warranty, and ROI.

The Results the First 18 Months of the LED Retrofit Program

1. We completed 1,300 LED retrofits for the financial firm, resulting in 62.1% energy savings.
2. We secured industry-leading 10-year warranties on all LED materials involved in the retrofit projects.
3. EPA recycling of all removed lamps resulted in landfill waste avoidance of more than 10,000 pounds of material in order to be green compliant and meet all state and national regulations for recycling.
4. Utility rebates were captured for all locations that had rebates available.
5. Technicians built schedules to work around the hours of operation of the offices, holidays, and peak season business in order to not disrupt locations’ daily operations.
6. Weekly meetings were conducted to discuss project details, areas for improvement, and scheduling of LED work for future states in order to maximize energy savings, utility rebates, and project efficiency.
7. LED project routes were established seasonally — based upon weather conditions — in order to optimize technicians’ travel in harsh-weather areas, ensure work could always be done during specific windows of time, and that weather would not impact travel conditions.

Success Requires Experience — Ensure You’re Working with the Right Partner

Establishing efficient processes for LED retrofits can lead to optimal results and facilitate work for the many personnel that are involved in creating successful project completions. For each client, the approach is different and is based upon their goals, their budgetary needs, and their timelines. While all needs are different, customizing the project management approach via strong communication leads to success.

When it comes to maximizing LED retrofit work, selecting a partner with many years of project experience and a superb project management team is of paramount importance. CLS is that team. Connect with us today to learn more about our LED retrofit capabilities.